Why We All Need to Work Together to Prioritize Breastfeeding

Abstract

The first week of August marks World Breastfeeding Week. It provides a valuable opportunity to review progress in breastfeeding initiatives, analyze the enabling environment for breastfeeding support, and propose targeted actions to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding practices. As of April 2025, 48% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed worldwide, approaching the World Health Assembly’s target of 50% by 2025. However, reaching the more ambitious global target of 60% by 2030 will require sustained investment in evidence-based programs and policies, strong political commitment, robust accountability mechanisms, and strengthened health systems to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding practices. China has undertaken measures to promote breastfeeding nationwide. In 2021, fifteen government ministries issued the National Action Plan for Promoting Breastfeeding (2021–2025). Concurrently, China has implemented concrete national-level actions, including nationwide promotion of infant and young child feeding counseling services, improvements in family-friendly workplace policies, and strengthening of Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiatives. Achieving breastfeeding targets requires sustained, multisectoral efforts across all levels of society. Key recommendations for action include enacting and enforcing a legally binding Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, implementing comprehensive family-friendly workplace policies, strengthening community support networks, integrating breastfeeding counseling and support into routine maternal and child health services, implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding in all maternity facilities, and establishing routine monitoring and evaluation systems. Through these coordinated measures, mothers will receive the comprehensive support they need to breastfeed exclusively, providing their babies with the healthiest possible foundation for life.